USM Wins Best Papers at AFMechRDEN Conference

The University of Southern Mindanao bagged the Best Paper for Production and Farming System Category and Best Paper for Postharvest Category during the Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization through Research Development and Extension Network (AFMechRDEN) Conference, held from November 6 to 8, 2024, in Angeles, Pampanga. 

Engr. Ritchelle Joy T. Cuarteros presented the paper titled: “Performance Evaluation of the Semi-automated Fermenting Bin using UF18 Cacao Variety”, and Mr. Vixen Kae A. Rosalia presented “Design, Fabrication, Testing, and Evaluation of Soil Bagger Machine. 

Out of 25 papers submitted, only 13 were shortlisted and presented: 7 for the postharvest category, 5 for the production and farming system category, and 1 for the processing category. 

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) organized the conference in coordination with the Center for Agri-Fisheries and Biosystems Mechanization (BIOMECH) and the College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology, University of the Philippines Los Baños (CEAT, UPLB). 

Guided by its theme: “Advancing Agriculture and Fisheries through Mechanization: Embracing Technological Innovation for a Sustainable Future”, the conference served as a platform for insightful discussions, knowledge exchange, and the celebration of excellence in the field of agricultural and fisheries mechanization in support of the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Law of 2013. 

The winning papers were under the Performance Evaluation of the Semi-automated Fermenting Bin using UF18 Cacao Variety and Design, Fabrication, Testing and Evaluation of Soil Bagger Machine with Dr. Edward A. Barlaan and Engr. Renel M. Alucilja as project leaders.